LED drivers are an important part of industrial lighting fixtures, which greatly affects the lifespan and quality of the fixtures. In the field of LED commercial and industrial lighting, there are mainly two forms of drivers that are commonly used: isolated drivers and non-isolated drivers. Before we dive into details, let us first understand the concept of isolated power supply and the main characteristics of isolated and non-isolated power.
What is the difference between isolated vs non-isolated LED drivers?
An isolated power supply is an LED driver that is electrically isolated from the input power source and the output DC current to the LED board. There is no direct connection between the input (line from the building) and output to the LED board. This is achieved using an isolated transformer that separates input and output. Isolated LED drivers are generally safer as they operate at lower output and much narrower voltage range. A 150W commercial LED fixture is typically 36-56V DC. They are also more protected from surges and power spikes extending their life span and the life span of the LED light.
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A non-isolated LED driver is an LED driver that is not electrically isolated from the input power source or the load. Non-isolated LED drivers are simpler and less expensive than isolated LED drivers, but they do not provide the same level of safety or reliability. They can operate in a wide range of voltages from just a few volts in a simple LED bulb or solar light to 200V DC in a 150W commercial LED fixture.
Main Differences of these two types of drivers:
In general, non-isolated LED drivers are more efficient compared to isolated drivers. However, the difference is not much. This led to two major differences, which are Safety and Cost.
1. Isolated drivers are safer compared to non-isolated drivers. This is referring to the risk of electric shock. The high voltage at the input of the isolated driver and the low voltage at the work area are separated, so there is no risk of electric shock; While the high voltage of the input terminal of the non-isolated voltage is directly transmitted to the working area terminal, and there is no transformer to convert to low voltage. Therefore, the risk of electric shock for the latter one is higher than the isolated one.
2. Isolated LED drivers cost more compared to non-isolated drivers. It is due to the isolation transformer or other isolation technique used in isolated LED drivers that add complexity and cost to the driver. Additionally, the manufacturing processes for isolated LED drivers may be more expensive, as they require higher levels of quality control to ensure the electrical isolation is maintained.
The circuit structure used by the isolated driver is an AC/DC flyback circuit scheme, which can realize multiple outputs, is more complicated and the cost is higher; on the other hand, the non-isolated type uses a DC/DC boost or step-down buck circuit, which relatively simple and cost less.
All in all, isolated drivers are safer but cost a little more, while non-isolated drivers are less safe and cheaper but have higher efficiency.
Below are some of NaturaLED Commercial fixtures with isolated drivers. For more info: Please contact your sales representative.
In commercial and industrial LED lighting, drivers historically were isolated using transformers to step-down voltage, however there is increasing use of non-isolated drivers.
Understanding Isolated Drivers
An isolated driver is an electrical device that employs a transformer to step down high voltage to a lower one, which is then rectified into DC output. The term “isolated” stems from the fact that the primary coil (high voltage) and secondary coil (low AC voltage output) of the transformer are not directly connected.
Non-Isolated Drivers Explained
A non-isolated driver directly connects the load terminal to the input terminal without using a transformer for voltage reduction. This type of driver introduces high AC voltage directly to the load terminal.
Key Differences
Safety Considerations
Isolated drivers are generally considered safer due to the separation between high-voltage input and low-voltage work area, reducing the risk of electric shock. Non-isolated drivers, however, transmit high voltage directly to the working area terminal, presenting some higher risk of electric shock.
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Safety measures for non-isolated drivers:
Efficacy
Non-isolated drivers generally offer higher efficiency, leading to better luminaire efficacy compared to isolated drivers.
Luminaire Lifetime
Isolated drivers provide better protection against power surges and spikes, which can extend the life of LED components. The electrical isolation helps prevent high voltage from directly reaching the LED board, reducing the risk of damage.
Cost
Isolated drivers typically cost more due to their more complex AC/DC flyback circuit structure, which allows for multiple outputs. Non-isolated drivers use simpler DC/DC boost or step-down buck circuits, resulting in lower costs. Therefore, non-isolated drivers can lower luminaire first costs, as well as lower operating cost, due to their higher efficacy. Potentially longer isolated driver lifetime can also potentially impact costs. Overall, there are some complex cost trade-offs, with non-isolated drivers better for first costs and energy costs, but isolated drivers potentially better for luminaire lifetime.
Market Trends and Manufacturer Practices
The market has increasingly accepted non-isolated drivers as production technology has matured. Some manufacturers offer both isolated and non-isolated driver solutions in their product lines. Some manufacturers also provide customization options, allowing customers to request isolated drivers or non-isolated ones, based on specific requirements.
When choosing between isolated and non-isolated LED drivers, consider the trade-offs between safety, efficiency, lifetime, and lifecycle costs. While isolated drivers offer enhanced safety and better protect luminaire lifetime, non-isolated drivers provide lower costs and higher efficiency. The choice ultimately depends on the specific application and safety requirements of the lighting project.
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Contact us to discuss your requirements of non-isolated led drivers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.